Kochi: There is a growing demand to resume the Vande Bharat special train service on the Ernakulam-Bengaluru route. Passengers are urging that the service restart during the busy Onam season to alleviate travel difficulties. Meanwhile, MP Hibi Eden told mathrubhumi.com that a letter has been sent to the Union Minister, and a campaign is being organised on the X platform to push for the continuation of the service.

There has been a long-standing demand for the Vande Bharat service on the busy Bengaluru-Ernakulam route. As a result, the service was launched, with three services a week starting from July 25 as a special service between Ernakulam and Bengaluru. The train operated from Ernakulam on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and from Bengaluru on Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays.
The Railways had earlier stated that the continuation of the service would depend on revenue. However, the Vande Bharat service was halted as no notification was issued regarding the extension of the special service.

"A letter was sent to the Union Railway Minister requesting the immediate resumption of the service the day after it was stopped. Many passengers are in distress following the suspension of the Vande Bharat service. Despite having a Union Minister, there is a situation where not even a finger is lifted for the people of Kerala," MP Hibi Eden told mathrubhumi.com.
To bring public protests to the attention of the Union Minister, plans are underway to organise a campaign on the X platform. The Bengaluru-Ernakulam route is heavily crowded during the Onam season. With the suspension of the Vande Bharat service, people are left with no choice, but to travel by bus at high costs. The MP expressed hope that there would be a solution to the passengers' plight.

It is estimated that around 50,000 people travel on the Kochi-Bengaluru route during peak times. During these periods, there is a heavy rush on trains, KSRTC and Karnataka RTC buses, as well as private bus services. The fare for private sleeper buses can go up to Rs 5,000.